Get ready for the ultimate weeknight meal! These Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Tenders deliver incredible crispiness and juicy flavor without the mess of deep frying. The air fryer works its magic, creating perfectly golden tenders that are healthier and incredibly easy to make. This recipe quickly becomes a family favorite, perfect for busy evenings.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
You are going to love this recipe for so many reasons. Making air fryer chicken tenders at home is a game-changer for quick meals.
- Ultimate Crispy Texture: Achieve that perfect golden crunch with minimal oil, all thanks to your air fryer.
- Juicy & Tender Inside: The chicken stays incredibly moist and flavorful, never dry.
- Quick Preparation: From start to finish, these tenders are ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy schedules.
- Healthier Comfort Food: Enjoy a beloved classic with significantly less fat than traditional deep-fried versions.
- Family-Friendly & Versatile: Kids and adults adore these, and they pair well with countless sides and dips.
Ingredients
Making delicious Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Tenders starts with simple, fresh ingredients. You only need a few pantry staples to create a fantastic meal. Gather your chicken, eggs, and breading components for this easy recipe.
- 12 chicken tenders (about 1 1/4 lbs)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs*
- 1/2 cup seasoned panko*
- Olive oil spray
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Gluten-Free Breading: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and panko for a delicious alternative. You can also crush gluten-free crackers or cornflakes.
- Seasoning Swaps: Enhance the flavor by adding garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to your breadcrumb mixture.
- Egg Wash Alternatives: If you do not use eggs, try using milk (dairy or non-dairy), buttermilk, or even plain yogurt as a binding agent for the breading.
- Chicken Breast: No tenders on hand? Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch thick strips for equally delicious homemade chicken tenders.
Equipment
You only need a few basic tools to prepare these fantastic air-fried chicken strips.
- Air fryer: Essential for achieving that signature crispiness (basket or oven style works).
- Shallow bowls: Set up your breading station efficiently.
- Tongs: Safely handle the chicken during breading and cooking.
- Meat thermometer: Guarantee the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Instructions
Prepare these delicious Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with ease by following these simple, step-by-step instructions. You will have a crispy, flavorful meal ready in no time. This method ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time.
- Prep the Chicken: Pat your chicken tenders thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step helps the breading adhere better and promotes crispiness. Season both sides of the chicken generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Set Up Dredging Stations: Get two shallow bowls ready. Pour the beaten eggs into one bowl. In the second bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs and panko, mixing them well. This two-step station makes breading efficient.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Next, transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even, thorough coating on all sides. Gently shake off any loose breading and place the coated tenders on a large plate or cutting board.
- Spray with Oil: Lightly and generously spray both sides of the breaded chicken with olive oil spray. This crucial step helps the tenders brown beautifully and become extra crispy in the air fryer.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for at least 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and immediate crisping when the chicken enters the hot basket.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Arrange the coated breaded air fryer chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation and crispiness.
- Cook First Side: Cook the chicken tenders for 5 to 6 minutes. The breading should begin to turn golden brown and crisp up.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip each tender over using tongs. Continue cooking for another 5 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully golden and crispy on the outside.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
According to the USDA, all poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) as measured with a food thermometer. This confirms they are safely cooked.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the crispy air fryer chicken tenders to a serving platter. Serve them hot with fresh lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfect crispy chicken tenders is simple with a few smart techniques. These tips ensure your tenders are always golden and delicious. Avoid common pitfalls and enjoy perfectly cooked results every time.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary. Overlapping chicken prevents even air circulation, leading to soggy spots.
- Even Coating is Key: Press the breading firmly onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well. An even coating guarantees uniform crispiness.
- Perfect Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is safely cooked and perfectly juicy.
- Troubleshooting Uneven Cooking: If some tenders cook faster, rotate them halfway through. Make sure your air fryer is preheated consistently.
- Prevent Sogginess: Spraying thoroughly with oil helps create a crispy crust. Ensure tenders do not touch in the basket.
- For Extra Crispy Results: Double dip the chicken (egg, breading, egg, breading) for an extra thick and crunchy crust on your breaded air fryer chicken tenders.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
These homemade chicken tenders are incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic option for various meals. From quick lunches to satisfying dinners, they fit any occasion. Enjoy exploring different flavors and storage methods.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these crispy tenders with a fresh garden salad, golden French fries, sweet potato fries, or even mashed potatoes. They make a fantastic addition to wraps or as a main protein.
- Storage: Refrigerate any leftover Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Tenders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Prompt cooling helps maintain freshness and safety.
- Reheating: Reheat tenders in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. This method best preserves their texture.
- Freezing Raw Tenders: Bread uncooked tenders, flash freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Air fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to your breadcrumbs.
- Herby: Mix dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary into the breading for an aromatic twist.
- Cheesy: Grate some Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mixture for a savory, cheesy crust.
- Dipping Sauce Ideas: Classic options include ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ketchup, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
Nutrition Information
These chicken tenderloins offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. They are a great source of lean protein, helping you stay full and energized. This recipe significantly reduces fat content compared to deep-frying.
Refer to the recipe card for full nutritional details per serving. Enjoy a wholesome meal without sacrificing flavor.
| Serving Size | Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 tenders | 291 kcal | 16.5 g | 38.5 g | 7 g | 2 g | 197 mg | 653 mg | 1 g | 1.5 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer, but do not bread them first. Cook plain frozen tenders until almost done, then remove, bread, and finish cooking until crispy.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Ensure you spray the tenders generously with olive oil spray before air frying. Cooking in a single layer without overcrowding the basket also promotes maximum crispiness.
What kind of air fryer works best?
Both basket-style and oven-style air fryers work well for this recipe. Just be mindful of capacity and adjust batch sizes accordingly for optimal results.
Can I bake these in the oven?
Absolutely! You can bake these crispy chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. They will still be delicious, though slightly less crispy than air-fried.
How to ensure chicken is not dry?
Do not overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach exactly 165°F (74°C) and remove them promptly. Patting the chicken dry also helps.
What oils are best for air frying?
Light-tasting oils with high smoke points, like olive oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil, work best for spraying. These help with browning and crisping without adding unwanted flavors.
Conclusion
These Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Tenders prove that delicious, crispy comfort food can also be quick and wholesome. Achieving perfectly golden, juicy chicken is effortless with your air fryer, making weeknight meals a breeze. Skip the deep fryer and enjoy this healthier, family-friendly alternative.
Give this recipe a try tonight and discover your new favorite way to enjoy chicken tenders! Share your results and let us know what you think in the comments below.
Crispy Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the chicken tenders generously with salt and pepper.
- Prepare two shallow bowls: one with beaten eggs, and another with the combined breadcrumbs and panko.
- Dip each chicken tender first into the egg, then into the breadcrumb mixture, shaking off any excess. Place the breaded tenders on a large dish or cutting board and spray both sides generously with olive oil.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the breaded chicken tenders in batches for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Nutrition
Notes
- For extra crispiness, ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Adjust cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken tenders and air fryer model.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Crispy Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the chicken tenders generously with salt and pepper.
- Prepare two shallow bowls: one with beaten eggs, and another with the combined breadcrumbs and panko.
- Dip each chicken tender first into the egg, then into the breadcrumb mixture, shaking off any excess. Place the breaded tenders on a large dish or cutting board and spray both sides generously with olive oil.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the breaded chicken tenders in batches for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Nutrition
Notes
- For extra crispiness, ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Adjust cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken tenders and air fryer model.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Looking for more comfort recipe like this? Come hang out with me over on Facebook and Pinterest where I drop new recipes, family favorites, and quick how-to guides almost every day.
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